The United States has withdrawn most of the troops it temporarily deployed to Nigeria following a successful joint counterterrorism operation with the Nigerian military targeting Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in the North-East.
The announcement was made by the Commander of the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin Anderson, during a virtual press briefing after the 2026 African Chiefs of Defence Conference in Luanda, Angola.
According to Anderson, the operation focused on eliminating the second-in-command of the ISIS global network, who oversaw the group's international operations, media, and recruitment. He said the U.S. provided intelligence and specialized operational support, while Nigerian forces led the mission on the ground.
The AFRICOM commander explained that the deployment was temporary and that most American troops involved in the operation have since left Nigeria. However, intelligence sharing and other forms of security cooperation between both countries will continue.
Anderson said the operation significantly weakened ISIS leadership, disrupted the group's communication network, and contributed to an increase in defections and surrenders among its fighters in northeastern Nigeria.
He emphasized that the mission reflects the U.S. strategy of supporting African-led security operations by providing unique capabilities rather than maintaining a long-term military presence.
Nigeria's Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, also confirmed that U.S. combat troops were deployed specifically for the May operation and departed after completing their assignment. He noted that the combat team was separate from about 200 U.S. non-combat personnel deployed earlier this year for training and technical assistance.
The joint operation reportedly led to the killing of Abu Bilal Al-Minuki, the second-in-command of ISIS, during a raid on his hideout in Borno State.
The United States and Nigeria have strengthened security cooperation in recent years as both countries continue efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency across the Lake Chad Basin and northeastern Nigeria.
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